About
What do you get when you take an 1890s building with ties to a speakeasy and convert it to a restaurant? The answer: Galyn's.
Established in 1986 by owners Rick and Gail Leiser and Chef Larry Jones, this popular dining destination is a cornerstone of the Bar Harbor community.
Before we discuss the cuisine, let's look into the backstory of this historic building. The facility initially operated as a boarding house for seafarers, but during Prohibition, the downstairs reportedly hosted a speakeasy and gambling. There's much more to unpack, but we'll do that in our next section.
Regarding the name, an article in Bar Harbor Story states that the Leisers adopted a tried-and-true method used by Maine lobstermen. They combined "Gail" with their daughter's name, "Lindsay", to get the Celtic-sounding moniker, Galyn's.
With its downtown location, it's easy to add a meal at Galyn's after a day of sightseeing. Whether you explore Acadia National Park and its many offerings, like Sand Beach and Cadillac Mountain, you're never far from a scrumptious meal.
Visit Galyn's for the history; stay for the cuisine. Either way, visit this iconic dining spot on your Maine getaway.
Vibe
The building exudes New England charm, with its lively colors and its historic architecture.
The renovated interior will impress, with its tin ceiling, intricate window, and door trim that are clues to the building's 1890s start. The curved wooden bar was once a teller's counter at the First National Bank, and is now repurposed to hold drinks. Also noteworthy are the elegant diamond windows salvaged from a nearby Rockefeller estate before its demolition.
Head upstairs to the Galley Lounge and you'll discover more of Maine's heritage. Here, paneled doors and reclaimed materials from various local estates give you a glimpse into Bar Harbor's gilded past.
Seating in the elegant main dining room offers a traditional setting for a quiet meal. Conversely, the Galley Lounge offers a laid-back environment, where the spirit of its bygone speakeasy lives on.
Galyn's: Menu & Drinks
The menu rotates with the seasons, ensuring you dine on the freshest ingredients Maine has to offer.
One starter that's always a hit is the lobster bisque. The creamy broth is rich and hearty, with plenty of fresh lobster in every spoonful.
The variety of small plate options makes sharing in a tapas-style experience possible. Kick things off with oysters on the half shell, and then add the bacon-wrapped scallops with maple syrup-bourbon glaze. Vegetable plates, cheese dishes, and snacks like nachos let you create a feast at your table.
The entrees shine, showcasing bounty from the sea and farm. A hearty seafood favorite is the Frenchman Bay Stew. This bowl of deliciousness features a spicy homemade bouillabaisse rich with shrimp, scallops, fresh fish, and lobster. Steamed mussels surround the bowl, and the toasted ciabatta ties together all the flavors and textures.
The "From the Farm" section of the menu will appeal to those who prefer land-based entrees. The Stuffed Pork Chop is a flavorful choice, showcasing homemade North Country andouille sausage stuffing. The bone-in backed chop is then brushed with a Cajun-honey glaze and comes with potatoes and fresh vegetables.
The Pasta Galyn features a creamy garlic-and-herb sauce with sweet drop peppers, chicken, ham, and mushrooms. Tossed with fettuccine noodles, the meal becomes comforting and filling.
The beverages complement the coastal cuisine, showcasing the best of Maine. A prime example is the Blueberry Margarita, featuring tequila, Galyn's blueberry syrup, and a house-made sweet-and-sour mix.
Wine and beer enthusiasts will be impressed with the offerings. Reds, whites, and sparkling wines, along with regional brews and ciders, ensure there's something for everyone.
Galyn's promises an exceptional dining experience on your Bar Harbor vacation, with its historic setting and stellar cuisine.
Local Tips
- Order take-out and enjoy your meal at your Casago rental.
- Happy hour is in the Galley Lounge daily from 2 - 5 p.m.
- While not for sale, take time to peruse its 72 pieces of artwork.
- Reservations can be made up to 2 weeks before your arrival.
